There is a difference between FACT and PERCEPTION. As humans, we often believe that what we perceive to be true is in reality true. This is far from the truth.
There is a saying “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.” When you see something you analyze what is going on based on every thought and life experience you have had up to that point in time. It is for this reason that there are as many stories as there are witnesses.
Our Journey:
If two of us were walking side by side, our journey would feel different to each of us individually. The ground beneath us would feel different to each of us - if only slightly. Maybe your path would have a small hole, a mound of dirt or a small pebble, and mine would not. The breeze would be slightly different as it blows against our bodies at a different angle. The sun above us radiates sunshine and heat on both of us, yet the rays of the sun will be different because we are each at a different angle to sun. Each of would see things at a different angle depending on our height as well as the position of the sun.
Likewise, because the ground, the air and the sun is constantly shifting if you followed my path an hour later than mine it would seem much different to you than it did to me.
Even though things are similar, as individuals we each feel and react differently to any given situation.
Take rain for instance, it can be good, bad or indifferent. If you are in a parade and it is pouring, you would think the rain was a bad thing. However, if you were a farmer in middle of a drought, you would see the rain as a very good thing. On the other hand, if you are curled up on the couch reading a good book with a blazing fire in the fireplace, the rain probably does not affect you one way or another – it is neither good nor bad. It is not the rain that is good or bad – it is your perception based on your feelings.
Begin questioning your thoughts. Are they true? Are they really good or bad?
Examples:
- Your friend does not want to go shopping with you. Does this mean she doesn’t like being around you?
- Your daughter storms out of the room screaming she hates you. Does this mean you are a bad parent?
- Your boss yells at you because you did not follow through on his instructions. Does this mean you are a bad employee?
- Your ex tells your friends a lie about you. Does this mean they believe it?
When you have these thoughts ask yourself the following questions:
1) Is it true?
2) Is it true for everyone?
3) What would happen if I let go of this belief?
Choose to let go of these thoughts and beliefs. Remind yourself of every plausible positive answer to this situation that you can think of.
Your emotions are based on your thoughts. To change your emotions, you need to change the way you think. In time you will be removing limiting beliefs that are keeping you stuck on the emotional roller coaster.
